Kelowna city councillors say they香蕉视频直播檙e proud of a growing research partnership with UBC Okanagan (UBCO) that香蕉视频直播檚 tackling some of the city香蕉视频直播檚 toughest challenges.
At its July 7 meeting, council received an update from staff and UBCO representatives on the two-year pilot project that pairs city staff with university researchers to find practical solutions to local problems.
Coun. Gord Lovegrove, an Associate Professor, School of Engineering at UBCO, said he香蕉视频直播檚 thrilled to see the work taking shape.
香蕉视频直播淚've got one foot in both organizations so it's a proud day to have you here, he said. 香蕉视频直播淭here are so many of our council priorities that are being dealt with. I香蕉视频直播檓 looking at housing and transportation. I香蕉视频直播檓 looking forward to what you've got coming down the pipe.香蕉视频直播�
Coun. Mohini Singh called the collaboration a point of pride for the city.
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The Alliance is funded equally by the city and UBCO, with each contributing $100,000 annually to support applied research. Five major projects are currently underway, and there are plans to extend the partnership beyond its initial 2026 end date.
One of the studies focuses on transit. Researchers are exploring ways to improve connections between UBCO, the airport, and downtown Kelowna using the Okanagan Rail Trail. The study includes modelling for potential demand and integration of autonomous shuttles into the city香蕉视频直播檚 existing transit system. That $300,000 project is scheduled to wrap up in June 2026.
Another study is examining how to introduce fast electric charging for the city香蕉视频直播檚 transit and fleet vehicles, part of the city香蕉视频直播檚 plan to shift to an all-electric bus fleet. That work is expected to be complete by April 2026 and comes with a price tag of $198,000.
There香蕉视频直播檚 also research into the viability of rooftop solar power, carbon-capturing bricks made from landfill wood waste, and new technologies to monitor and improve air and water quality at public pools.
Coun. Charlie Hodge said it香蕉视频直播檚 encouraging to see ideas that council has pushed for 香蕉视频直播� like solar 香蕉视频直播� finally getting serious attention through dedicated studies.
香蕉视频直播淲e've been banging this side about looking into things like solar and that sort of work for a long time,香蕉视频直播� he said. 香蕉视频直播淭o see an actual study being done香蕉视频直播� is very rewarding and very exciting.香蕉视频直播�
Each research project is required to include a plan for applying the findings to city operations. The Alliance also aims to attract outside investment, with a goal of securing at least $2 in additional funding for every $1 contributed locally.
